08/14/2019
These are words from one of the best acting instructors I ever had at Playhouse West in LA, Tony Savant....All actors can learn from this:
POST OF THE WEEK: What Does It Mean to be a Good Acting Partner?
I originally posted this two years ago, but it's worth repeating. Actors can't hear it enough.
Acting is a team sport, where in many ways it is tough to overcome weak partners or teammates who have poor work habits or who lack what it takes to contribute to the betterment of the team. Every actor, most likely, has experienced having a poor, selfish or lazy acting partner, someone who just made rehearsing or working miserable. I've certainly had them. I've also had many fantastic partners too. During the last 34 years in this business I have learned a few things about what it means to be a good acting partner, not only while on stage or in a scene, but in rehearsal too, and just in general. So, my post this week is a list of actions, or qualities found in all great acting partners. All actors should work to apply these actions and qualities in order to have a better chance at becoming the kind of actor everyone will want to work with. Notice, talent and excellence isn't even on the list. Those qualities are desirable, for sure, but this list has more to do with behavior! The list is not in any particular order of importance, for all these qualities are important.
- COMMITTED/KEEPS COMMITMENTS. A good partner never cancels or leaves early unless it's an emergency.
- ON TIME. A good partner is always early - never late - and calls if they will be even a minute late. Being on time means you arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled rehearsal time.
- BE PRESENT. Rehearsal is about rehearsing and working to improve. Personal issues never invade rehearsal time. Give your partner and whatever you're working on your full attention.
- PREPARED. In every way.
- NO EGO, OR LEAVES THEIR EGO AT THE DOOR.
- IS POSITIVE. Embraces challenges with a smile and positive attitude.
- NEVER MAKES EXCUSES.
- GOOD LISTENER. Not only while acting.
- TRUSTING/TRUSTWORTHY. A good partner can be counted on, always has their partner's back.
- PATIENCE, AND IS PATIENT WITH THEIR PARTNER. The importance of this can't be overstated.
- AWARE OF THEIR PARTNER'S NEEDS. This goes along with patience. A good partner does whatever it takes to help their partner succeed in a scene.
- GIVING. All the best actors are giving.
- DEMANDS HIGHEST STANDARD OF PROFESSIONALISM - FROM THEMSELVES.
- SURPRISING. Another gift good partners find ways to give.
- WILLING. In all ways; to play, to experiment, to work, to do whatever will help their partner as well as to tell the story, etc.
- ADVENTUROUS.
- BRAVE/FEARLESS.
- OPEN. To their partner. Especially to listen, even to suggestions.
- FREE.
- THOUGHTFUL. As an actor, and also of others.
- ALWAYS TREATS PARTNER AS AN EQUAL.
- SELFLESS.
- FORGIVING.
- HUMBLE.
- THANKFUL/GRATEFUL.
- TAKES THE WORK SERIOUS, BUT NOT THEMSELVES.
A great partner is worth their weight in gold in this profession. Again, it's all part of becoming the kind of actor everyone's dying to work with. If you are not doing everything you can to become that kind of actor, then, to quote my dear friend Jeff Goldblum, "Please... do everyone a favor and go do something else."
